The record-breaking rise and tragic end of football's 'Simba'
In short: In 2018, Dwayne Haskins achieved what only seven other NCAA quarterbacks had ever done: throwing 50 touchdowns in a single season. But the journey from college superstardom to the NFL was marked by immense promise, professional struggles, and a sudden, violent end.
Dwayne Haskins Jr. entered the college football landscape as a phenomenon. Playing for the Ohio State Buckeyes, his 2018 sophomore campaign was historic. He led the NCAA with 4,831 passing yards and 50 touchdowns, setting single-season records for both the school and the Big Ten Conference. His dominance earned him the Sammy Baugh Trophy and a third-place finish in the Heisman Trophy voting.
His transition to the professional ranks in 2019 was equally high-profile but far more turbulent. Selected 15th overall in the first round of the NFL draft by the Washington Redskins, Haskins signed a four-year, $14.37 million contract. However, his tenure in Washington was plagued by inconsistent play and disciplinary issues. He faced criticism regarding his work ethic and was fined twice for breaking league COVID-19 protocols—once $4,833 and later $40,000—which ultimately led to him losing his captaincy and being released by the team.
After a stint as a backup for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Haskins' life ended abruptly on April 9, 2022. While in Florida to train with teammates, he was fatally struck by a dump truck while attempting to cross a highway near Fort Lauderdale. The incident occurred around 7:00 a.m. EDT after he had run out of gasoline in a rental vehicle. A subsequent toxicology report revealed the presence of several substances, including alcohol and methamphetamine, while a lawsuit filed regarding the incident alleged he had been the victim of a robbery and drugging prior to the accident.
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